mineral

Quartz with inclusions

SiO2

Hardness: 7, Color: variable (clear to smoky with metallic or dark inclusions), Luster: vitreous, Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: poor/indistinct, Fracture: conchoidal

Identified July 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7, Color: variable (clear to smoky with metallic or dark inclusions), Luster: vitreous, Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: poor/indistinct, Fracture: conchoidal

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments. This specimen appears to have grown in a hydrothermal vein or pegmatite, incorporating other minerals during its formation.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, and construction. Aesthetically pleasing specimens are collected or used in jewelry.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's surface. Inclusions can often help determine the geological environment in which the quartz formed.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and glassy luster. Common inclusions might be tourmaline, rutile, or various metallic ores.